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6 October 2025

Hotelier Elisabeth Gürtler to Receive Austrian Style Icon Award

Elisabeth Gürtler in pink blazer holding champagne glass at Alpin Resort Sacher Seefeld, photographed by David Johansson

Vienna's most prestigious privately organised lifestyle gala recognises the former Sacher Hotels managing director for her timeless elegance and cultural influence

The Vienna Awards for Fashion & Lifestyle, established in 2009 by Marjan Firouz, have become a benchmark for style, innovation, and social resonance in the German-speaking world. This year's 15th Anniversary Gala, taking place on 15 October 2025 at Vienna's historic Hofburg, will honour Elisabeth Gürtler with the title "Austrian Style Icon"—a recognition of her profound impact on Austria's cultural and style landscape. These privately organised awards carry a distinctive glamour, transforming the imperial palace into what promises to be the city's most elegant evening of the season. German television personality Frauke Ludowig will guide guests through the celebrations, whilst the campaign was photographed by renowned Austrian fashion photographer Luise Reichert, featuring international supermodel Tereza Maxová.

A Legacy of Elegance and Excellence

Elisabeth Gürtler's career has been synonymous with Austrian luxury hospitality. As the long-serving managing director of Sacher Hotels and the Sacher Group, she elevated the brand far beyond its famous chocolate torte, establishing it as an international symbol of elegance, culture, and refined hospitality. Her distinctive understanding of style, tradition, and innovation created a legacy that resonates well beyond Austria's borders. This commitment to excellence continues prominently through the Alpin Resort Sacher, which has consistently received recognition as one of Europe's leading and most elegant alpine destinations in recent years. The resort exemplifies the standards of quality and style that Gürtler championed throughout her career.

Style as Cultural Identity

Responding to the honour, Gürtler reflected on the deeper significance of personal style: "I feel greatly honoured, as individual style is an expression of personality and cultural belonging. It is a great honour when this personal style finds general recognition." Her approach to style has always transcended mere fashion, embodying a philosophy where elegance meets authenticity, and tradition converges with contemporary sensibility. Whether hosting international dignitaries or overseeing the daily operations of luxury establishments, Gürtler has maintained an unmistakable personal aesthetic that balances classic refinement with accessible warmth.

Vienna Awards: Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence

The Vienna Awards have established themselves as a significant fixture in Austria's cultural calendar, honouring personalities who represent the country with creativity, innovation, and distinctive style on the international stage. The gala brings together figures from fashion, art, business, and society, with previous guests including international stars such as Karolina Kurkova, Michelle Hunziker, and fashion icon Iris Apfel. This year's jubilee edition places particular emphasis on female excellence, with multiple awards recognising women's contributions across various creative industries. The celebration includes performances, fashion presentations, and the presentation of honours across categories including design, photography, and music.

Gürtler will join this year's distinguished roster of laureates at the Hofburg ceremony, where her decades of influence on Austrian style and hospitality culture will be formally celebrated before an audience of industry leaders and cultural figures.


Image: Elisabeth Gürtler photographed at the Alpin Resort Sacher in Seefeld, Tyrol, wearing a signature pink blazer with contrast piping and green accessories, seated in the resort's warmly lit lounge area adorned with traditional alpine décor and contemporary furnishings. Photo: © David Johansson